Five Killer Quora Answers To Cot Beds

How to Choose the Best Cot Beds for Your Baby

If you're expecting a child it's crucial to select a cot that will be secure and safe for your little one. Look for a cot that has fixed sides rather than drop-sides. This will comply with UK safety standards.

Our top pick is this basic but stylish cot from John Lewis' Anyday range. It comes with three mattress height positions, teething rails and storage drawer. It is also easy to assemble, with clear instructions.

Comfort

The best cot beds keep children warm and cozy. Find a comfortable soft and comfortable fabric. Make sure that the mattress is fitted snugly to prevent any gaps that could cause the risk of being suffocated. There are a variety of mattresses available, including coils springs, foam and natural materials for allergy sufferers. Do your research to determine the best one for your child.

Whether you opt for an ordinary or convertible cot, the primary factor to comfort is a mattress of high-quality that is supportive and promotes healthy posture. The same is true for the slats. They should be securely attached and not sagging or bent. The slats need to be firmly fixed to the frame, to ensure that your child will not get caught when they move in their sleep.

Ask your family and friends for recommendations, or read online reviews. Make sure you choose a mattress that's breathable, as they'll help to regulate temperature and are less likely to harbour bacteria.

In terms of style, there's a wide choice, from traditional sleigh styles with elaborate details to sleek, contemporary designs. Some are even painted with bold primary colours which is great if you want your baby to wake up bright and content!

Most cots come with an under-bed storage drawer and teething rails that stop your child from chewing the sides of the cot, and adjustable height bases to accommodate the growth of your baby. You can even purchase a drop side for smaller babies or those who have medical conditions that make it difficult for them to bend over.

Find a Cot Bed that is in compliance with the strict UK safety standards and is easily transformed into a toddler's cot when it is time. Look for this information in the description or in the key specifications.

Safety

When choosing a cot the safety of your child's sleep should be the top priority. The mattress should fit snugly and there shouldn't be gaps between the mattress and the sides or ends of the cot/cot-bed (large gaps can trap the child's arms or head). Verify that the mattress is solid and thin - more thick mattresses aren't recommended as they may increase the risk of SIDS. There are many companies that offer a variety of mattresses, from simple foam to natural materials suitable for allergy sufferers and some even contain anti-microbial treatments. If your crib has a drop side, ensure it is in the upward position and locked securely.

Drop sides should only be permitted to fall when an adult is in the room. This prevents accidental releases. If your cot has a solid end do not place it against the wall because it can block airflow and may contribute to the death of a coffin. According to the latest research, cots with slatted ends are safer since they allow for greater airflow.

If your cot has a fixed side choose this option as it will be safest when your baby starts to crawl and pull themselves up. When your child is confidently climbing and standing, it's the time to move to a junior bed.

Some cots come with features that allow the base can be raised to three different heights in order to grow with your child This is extremely convenient and an added security measure. Other cots come with footplates that can be adjusted, which are great for toddlers who want to sit up in their bed.

Whenever you place your child in their cot, make sure whether there is no visible danger. It should be away from heaters, power points, windows, curtains and blind cords (these pose a strangulation risk). If you're buying furniture from a secondhand store or an heirloom piece be sure to look for any dangers to your child's health such as stickers and transfer tapes that could be removed and pose a risk.

If you are unsure how to safely use your cot, consult other parents for advice or take part in an local NCT New Baby class. If your cot comes with a guide ensure that you go through it prior to using it and follow all the directions.

Style

With its gorgeous sleigh style This gorgeous cot bed will look great in your nursery. Our panel members loved the combination of natural and white pine, and its innovative features, like under-bed storage drawers that can hold everything necessary for babies, including nappies, bedding, and a stunning array of Baby Crib outfits. It's also simple to construct, with clear instructions and screws for each section. What's more, it can be converted into a toddler bed or desk when your child gets older (see the product description for more details).

One of our favourite features are the teething rails that protect your little one from smacking their head against the side of the cot or any other protruding parts of the cot, like a handle or a corner post, and which also help stop them chewing on the wood, preventing them from becoming suffocated. It also has a drop-side for easier access to your infant. We love that the cot can be converted into a toddler bed and that it's strong enough to last up to four years. It also met the strict UK safety standards. You can find these in the specifications below for each product.

Cot beds are typically larger than cribs and can be turned into toddler beds once your child is ready, allowing you to avoid purchasing a bed at an age when they're ready to move on. They are more expensive than cribs.

If your nursery isn't big enough, you might want to consider a crib. It is smaller and requires less space. However it is recommended to consider a cot if you are planning to spend a significant portion of your baby's time in your bedroom, or if you need a bed that will last longer, you should opt for a cot.

A cot isn't safe for babies to sleep in if it doesn't meet the strict UK safety standards as outlined in BS EN 716 and BS 8509, which deals with mattress thicknesses, materials and other key elements of cot mattresses for baby. The slats must not be too close together to ensure your baby doesn't fall out.

Stores

If you're a new parent or a seasoned one the amount of items a baby needs is staggering. It is important to think about storage when selecting a cot. Some cots come with additional storage options, including drawers beneath the bed or a top changer (available separately). Some cots can be converted into toddler beds or a smaller single bed to extend their usage.

Some cot beds can be transformed into a daybed like this one on the Cam Cam Copenhagen Harlequin Cot. This is a great choice for those who prefer an unstructured design since the process of conversion is simple and involves the removal of one side panel. This allows parents to save on the cost of an additional bed.

A variety of cot beds feature hanging rails that can be used to store muslins dolls and other small objects. This makes it easier to keep everything organized, neat and tidy - and it also looks amazing. Being able to access these items makes it easier for parents when feeding their baby.

A teething rail is another important feature that's included in some cots. This will prevent your child from chewing on the wooden cot, which could cause irritation. Some cots come with a more traditional design and have a huge storage drawer beneath the bed that is ideal for toys, clothes blankets, and other baby necessities.

While this is a great idea for when you're short on space, you should remember that you will need to buy a separate extra for the drawer. You may have to purchase a separate mattress and bedding, as oval mattresses and sheets do not come with the cot.

This sleigh cot from Stokke is a lovely example of Scandi-style at its best crib for newborn and has a huge under-bed storage drawer that's perfect to keep all the baby essentials out of sight but within easy reach. Our panel found it very easy to put together, due to the alphabetically-labelled parts and clear instructions. It's suitable for babies as young as birth and can be transformed into a toddler bed once your child is ready, which means it's good value too.